Gregor Robertson, MLA Vancouver-Fairview, announced today two companion Private Member’s Bills – the Right to Know Act and the Toxics Use Reduction Act – which would create the strongest legislation to regulate toxics in North America.

“People have a right to know what is in their food,” Robertson stated. “We have a right to know if the products we’re purchasing are exposing us to toxic substances.”

The Right to Know Act would help to protect the health of citizens and communities throughout British Columbia by mandating that suppliers and producers must warn consumers if their products expose them to toxic chemicals or genetically engineered food.
“We need smart regulation of toxics to reduce cancer and other diseases,” said Robertson. “The Campbell government needs to step up to protect the health and safety of British Columbians.”

Recent reports attribute as many as 24,000 new cases of cancer in Canada each year to pollutants, and estimates toxic chemicals add $9.1 billion a year to national health care costs.

The Toxic Use Reduction Act would ban toxic substances that are already prohibited for use or for sale in other OECD nations, Canadian provinces and U.S. states. It includes a ban on pesticides for residential or cosmetic use, on public lands, and around children, in schools and daycares.

Last year, in a national study, Robertson’s family was tested for toxins. Over 30 toxic substances, including carcinogens, hormone disruptors and neurotoxins, were found in his children.

“With pesticide poisonings, toxic toys and skyrocketing asthma rates, the devastating impact of toxins clearly requires urgent action from government,” Robertson demanded.